It's a beautiful thing to see hands reaching out across the darkness in support of our hurting friends. I am honored and privileged to have a small role in this process, and it touches me deeply. That's why I'm excited to share the next idea with you. It's a great way to encourage and support your hurting friend. It's like handing him or her a little life jacket in a box, something to keep them afloat when the strong emotions of depression threaten to overwhelm or when the urges to self-harm flare intensely. It's called a comfort box, and it is filled with items your friend will be able to turn to when they need a distraction from their stressors.
HOW DO I MAKE A COMFORT BOX?
Things to keep their hands busy:
Stress balls, origami materials, puzzles, play dough, toys, coloring books and colored pencils...
Things to create sensory distractions:
Body sprays, essential oils, candy, gum, hand lotion (for rubbing on their arms instead of cutting), thick rubber band (for snapping against their wrist instead of hurting themselves), peel-able fingernail polish, mp3 player with encouraging music...)
Things to remind them the bad times won't last:
Inspirational books, meaningful photographs, cards, quotes, notes of encouragement, writing journal and pen...
Things just for fun:
Travel board games, DVDs, bubbles....get creative. What would your friend love? What speaks fun? What speaks life?
4. Once you've filled the box with all sorts of wonderful things, simply write a little note of love and include an explanation of the purpose of your box. It is now ready to be delivered in love and friendship. It is now ready to be used and loved. What a powerful thing.
HOW DO I MAKE A COMFORT BOX?
- Start with any box or container.
- If needed, decorate the outside....your friend's favorite comic strip, some pretty paper - your own special type of bling.
- Now comes the fun part. Fill it. Fill it with things that will make your friend happy. Find things that will make your friend smile. Find things that will involve their senses and create a distraction. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Things to keep their hands busy:
Stress balls, origami materials, puzzles, play dough, toys, coloring books and colored pencils...
Things to create sensory distractions:
Body sprays, essential oils, candy, gum, hand lotion (for rubbing on their arms instead of cutting), thick rubber band (for snapping against their wrist instead of hurting themselves), peel-able fingernail polish, mp3 player with encouraging music...)
Things to remind them the bad times won't last:
Inspirational books, meaningful photographs, cards, quotes, notes of encouragement, writing journal and pen...
Things just for fun:
Travel board games, DVDs, bubbles....get creative. What would your friend love? What speaks fun? What speaks life?
4. Once you've filled the box with all sorts of wonderful things, simply write a little note of love and include an explanation of the purpose of your box. It is now ready to be delivered in love and friendship. It is now ready to be used and loved. What a powerful thing.
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